Awareness & Prevention

Yesterday I attended my first session of NHS training in Lincoln with my colleague Emma. The subject matter is rather dark - specifically suicide - how to spot the signs and how to prevent it. The numbers of those contemplating or attempting suicide are truly frightening and as life for many becomes increasingly stressful, these numbers are increasing.
The session was very well attended by volunteers, carers and mental health staff from across Lincolnshire. The chap who gave the training, Jeff, delivered the session very well explaining how he used to work in the special forces and having become injured, lost the use of his legs. Coming to terms with his disability after many years of being so active eventually took its toll and he decided he couldn't go on. Thankfully he was saved and has regained the use of his legs following an operation. He subsequently decided to use his experience to help others and prevent needless deaths from suicide in Lincolnshire.
His story was too much for one of our group and she left after just an hour. The subject matter was just too dark and she was clearly unprepared. It is understandable. We all went very dark places during the session, which was necessary to fully understand those we were being empowered to help.
The training 'SafeTalk', is the first part of an initiative the NHS are trying to roll out countrywide. The second part is called 'Asist'. So far, I have learnt how to identify the signs of suicide and how to confront someone I suspect to be suicidal. Once the act has been prevented, the concerned is passed to someone who is 'Asist' trained. These people have the skills to intervene and get the necessary help from specialists who are able to provide long term care and solutions. In effect, the aim of the initiative is to provide a network of skilled individuals who are available to provide help whenever needed. A register provides the details of all those with SafeTalk and Asist skills and this ensures that the help gets to those who need it, and fast.
I think this is a vitally important initiative and one that has been in place in Canada and the US for some time. In fact this is actually Canadian-born, but its concept is one that can be easily implemented in any country.
My involvement and that of my colleagues is important as we will come into contact with people who suffer with mental health problems and thoughts of suicide. I will also be able to provide help anyone in my area and literally intervene to save their life. It sounds dramatic I know, but this is exactly what it is. It is spotting and preventing someone from taking their own life, and showing them there is another way out.
Some would ask why I would want to get involved with suicide prevention. Well, in short, I've been in their position and I was able to prevent myself from following through with the act of suicide. For me, it felt there was no way out of my situation. In truth, there is always a way out and thankfully I found it in time. I understand them as I have been them. If I can save someone then that's a good thing.